ELLENDALE, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Sand Ranch recipient of the 2021 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®, owner Brad Sand, will be featured during the award tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9, near Ellendale.

Tour topics include rotational grazing, crop rotation, cover crops, and soil health.

The Aug. 9 tour is open to the public and lunch will be provided. A donation of $20 is appreciated. An RSVP is required for the tour at www.ndglc.com/events by Friday, Aug. 5. Tour participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and walking, and to bring water, bug spray and a blanket or chairs. 

The 700-acre Sand Ranch sits in the Drift Prairie, home to some of the best grasslands and depressional prairie pothole wetlands on the North American continent. Sand started ranching in 1974, stating that “I ranch because I enjoy everything about it. I enjoy using cattle to manage the resource.” To that end, Sand has inspired several individuals by opening his doors and using his land as a teaching tool for visitors from across the state.

As a mentor for the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, Sand voluntarily responds to calls and emails from farmers, ranchers and conservation biologists regarding grazing management and soil health.

The North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award® honors North Dakota landowner achievement in voluntary stewardship and management of natural resources. The award is presented by the Sand County Foundation, in partnership with the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, and American Farmland Trust. 

For more information, email jim@clearwatercommunications.net or call 701-355-4458.